Looking for Local Art in Hertfordshire?

Here’s where my paintings will be (and why...)

It can be a bit of a solo pursuit being an artist, so I recently joined both the Bishop’s Stortford Art Society and Herts Visual Arts for two simple reasons:

1. I wanted to meet other artists who understood the joy and chaos of flinging paint around.
2. I wanted to get my paintings out of my house and onto other people’s walls - maybe yours!

If you’re looking for something original and uplifting to hang in your home, you’re in the right place. And if you fancy seeing some local art in person - and maybe even meeting the person who painted it - read on for where you can find me and my colourful nature-inspired creations...

First up: Bishop’s Stortford Art Society Pop-Up Exhibition

📅 When: This weekend! 6th, 7th and 8th June 2025 from 10am onwards each day.

📍Where: The community space (at the top of the escalators) in Jackson Square in the charming market town of Bishop’s Stortford

🎨 What to expect: Lots of beautiful, original artwork from local artists (including yours truly), a friendly atmosphere, and absolutely no pressure to be an art expert.

This weekend I’ll be exhibiting some of my abstract paintings at the Bishop’s Stortford Art Society pop-up exhibition. Can you spot one of my paintings in the photo?

I’m genuinely excited - partly because it’s lovely to sometimes get out of the box room I use as a studio and talk to real people, and partly because it’s one of those relaxed, welcoming events where you can just have a wander, look at some art, and maybe even fall in love with something for your living room wall.

I’ll have four different pieces available there, all of them created in my usual intuitive, let’s see where this goes way. (I never really know what a painting is going to look like when I start, which is part of the fun. I just keep layering on paint and texture until I get that Ooh yes, that’s the one! feeling.)

I really love painting. I love colour. I love the feeling of getting completely absorbed in the creative process, adding layer after layer until something just clicks. And I want the finished piece to make you feel something positive - calm, cheerful, curious - or even just, “Ooh, that would look brilliant above the sofa!”

So this is a great way for me to get my paintings out in the world so you can see them in real life 😁

Next up: Herts Visual Arts Open Studios

📅 When: 6th to 28th September 2025

📍Where: Southern Maltings in Ware as part of the HVA Open Studios trail

🚪What to expect: A trail to see different artists in various locations around Hertfordshire.

The Open Studios are a lot of fun to visit. Dozens of artists all over Hertfordshire open their doors, some in their own studios and some in other venues, and invite you in to see what we do, how we do it, and what we’ve been working on.

I’ll be part of the Ware leg of the trail this year, and I’m already planning which pieces to show (and which biscuits to buy - I take snacks very seriously). You’ll be able to browse original artwork, ask questions if you like, or just soak up the creative vibes and maybe find something you love to take home with you.

It’s a brilliant way to support local artists, and there’s something really special about meeting the person who made the piece you’ve fallen in love with.

So why did I join these art societies?

If I’m being totally honest it’s because being an artist can be a bit lonely sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the solitude when I’m painting. But it’s also really refreshing to meet other people who know what it’s like to get stuck in a creative rut, or to ruin a perfectly good painting with one overly confident brushstroke.

The Bishop’s Stortford Art Society and Herts Visual Arts have already expanded my horizons and helped me connect with some of those people. They’ve also opened doors to exhibitions, events, and opportunities I wouldn’t have found on my own - which means more chances for people like you to see my work in the wild 😀

And that’s really the heart of it. I don’t paint just to stack canvases in my house like some eccentric art-hoarding squirrel. I want my paintings to go out into the world. I want them to find homes where they can bring colour, joy and maybe a little bit of nature-inspired zen to someone’s everyday life.

How you can get involved

If you’re local to Hertfordshire and you like the idea of finding art that’s unique, personal, and not mass-produced by a global décor giant, I’d love for you to pop by one of these events. Whether you’re actively looking for a painting or just want to browse and chat, you’re more than welcome.

Here’s a quick recap:

🖼️ Bishop’s Stortford Pop-Up Exhibition – this weekend 6th-8th June 2025

🎨 Herts Open Studios in Ware – 6th-28th September 2025

If you've already missed one or both of these and would like a heads-up about future shows, or sneak peeks at new work, you can always sign up for my VIP emails. My VIPs are always the first to hear about anything that's going on and I spoil them with special offers on a regular basis too - you'll get a mystery discount off your next online order from me to kick things off!

Become a VIP here

I know it can sometimes feel a bit awkward buying original art. It can seem like something that only 'art people' do. But here’s a little secret: there’s no special club. If you see something you love, and you can picture it in your home, that’s all that matters!

So if you're looking for local art - the kind that was made with heart, a bit of mess and probably a lot of coffee - come and say hello at one of these events.

You might just find something beautiful to take home...